Mandela billboard vandalised at Free Derry Corner

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has condemned those responsible for vandalising a billboard erected in memory of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Derry.

The billboard was unveiled at the back of Free Derry Corner in the Bogside on Friday evening and features a photograph of the late Mr Mandela with Sinn Féin leaders Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams.

Speaking after the poster was damaged at the weekend, Mr McCartney said: “The past few days the world has been in deep shock and sadness at the death of Nelson Mandela. On Friday we had the unveiling of the billboard, a very dignified candlelight vigil at the H Block Monument and a book of condolence was opened in the Guildhall.

“To hear that attempts have been made to rip the mural down will leave many people finding it hard to understand the mindset of those responsible. Sadly it has become a regular occurrence that Free Derry Wall and billboards on the back of it have become the target of small unrepresentative groups.

“To attack a mural in memory of a political prisoner, freedom fighter and the greatest political leader of our age speaks for itself.”